April '24 Message from the Superintendent

Dear NPS Community,

As April showers give way to May flowers, I am filled with excitement for the beauty that will soon bloom in our school gardens. It's a joyous time to witness nature's renewal, and it mirrors the growth and transformation we are experiencing within Norwalk Public Schools.

This past month brought many significant milestones to Norwalk Public Schools that are worth celebrating together.

We recently marked the official groundbreakings for two new school buildings, signaling a commitment shared between Norwalk Public Schools and the City of Norwalk to enhance our educational facilities. The construction of the new Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk building and the first new school in the South Norwalk neighborhood in over four decades represents more than just physical structures. It symbolizes our dedication to providing our scholars with safe, modern, and conducive learning environments that align with our vision for 21st-century education.

With each new project, we are not only upgrading facilities but also investing in the future of our students. The challenges posed by aging infrastructure, from utility issues to connectivity issues, are being addressed to ensure an uninterrupted and secure educational experience for all. The new school in South Norwalk holds particular significance, as it will eliminate the need to transport children out of their neighborhood for schooling, fostering a stronger sense of community and accessibility to education for all.

Additionally, I am proud to share that Norwalk Public Schools has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national network of school districts that connects and supports the most forward-thinking leaders in education. This recognition speaks volumes about our commitment to innovation and excellence in education.

Through initiatives like our expanded partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning, bringing the initiative to five additional schools in the district, we are equipping our students and educators with the digital tools and resources needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world. By embedding more coaches in our schools and providing additional digital learning opportunities, we are empowering our teachers to deliver engaging and effective lessons that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

And for the fifth year in a row, the NAMM Foundation has selected Norwalk Public Schools as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. We truly have some of the best music programs thanks to an incredible team of music educators, students and staff.

Music education fosters creativity, discipline, teamwork, and cognitive development, enriching students' lives and enhancing academic performance.

Please remember that next week is Spring Recess, and I encourage each of you to take this time to rest and recharge. It's our final break before the end of the school year, and I hope you return refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the academic year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in our shared mission to provide the best possible education for every student in Norwalk Public Schools.

Warm regards,

Dr. Alexandra Estrella

Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools